Problem 77 - College Algebra

Question

Explain how to find \(n !\) if \(n\) is a positive integer.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

To find \(n!\), begin with the number \(n\) and multiply it by every positive number less than \(n\) up to 1. If \(n\) equals 0, \(n!\) is defined to be 1.

Step 1: Understanding the problem

Factorial of a positive integer \(n\), denoted by \(n!\), is the product of all positive integers less than or equal to \(n\). This means that \(n!\) = \(n*(n-1)*(n-2)*...*3*2*1\).

Step 2: Computing the factorial

Start with the number \(n\). Multiply it by every positive integer less than \(n\) until reaching 1. It's essential to remember that the factorial of 0 is defined to be 1.

Step 3: Example - Finding \(5!\)

Start by multiplying 5 by every positive integer less than it until you reach 1. \(5!\) = \(5*4*3*2*1\) = 120